Thank you for 75 years!

“The ability to get along with people is the secret of success in everything we do. If you care about people—and have them care about you, if you reach people and let them reach you, if you can fit yourself into society so that your relationships grow stronger and more harmonious with the passing years—then your life will have richness and meaning to the end.”
—Ralph F. Gibson, President, Intermountain Gas Company, November 19, 1965

Intermountain Gas campus in Boise around 1960

Intermountain Gas campus in Boise as it looks today

October 12, 1950

Intermountain Gas Company was incorporated by attorney Claude Marcus with J.G. Doerr named president; Ed Lessinger, vice president; Max Eiden, Treasurer; and Nat Campbell, Secretary. The meeting was held in Marcus’ office, 610 Eastman Building, and a board of directors was elected, consisting of the four officers and Maury Doerr, J. G.’s son.

The Beginnings

December 10, 1955: The Idaho Public Utilities Commission certified the company to operate as a public utility.

December 31, 1955: The first five customers were connected to the system.

Intermountain Gas' first customer — This is the scene of our first on—first off customer on a cold night in early December 1956. Looking at a disconnected steam throttling valve are Pat Reagan, Webster Burner representative (in the foreground), with Ed Sparks, Herb Bordeaux, Scott Busselle and Bill Brinkley

Firing off the Green Giant Plant in Buhl — Ken Montgomery, Oran Scholl, Green Giant Manager, Chuck Chesney, and Marion Ambrose, Buhl Mayor in attendance to celebrate the event

Growth & Infrastructure Development

1960–62: As Boise expanded post-World War II, Intermountain Gas planned to serve that growth.

1964: In partnership with architect Kenneth W. Brooks and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, the company began constructing a four-building campus on Cole Road (16 acres), designed to generate its own power using natural gas.

1966: The headquarters complex was completed and later received a national American Institute of Architects Award of Merit.

1970s: The campus operated self-sufficiently on natural gas before finally connecting to Idaho Power’s grid.

pipeline_to_idaho_falls — A section of 10-inch line to Idaho Falls is being put in the ground alongside the old highway north from Pocatello.

aerial view of the newly constructed Intermountain Gas general office at 555 S Cole Rd — Aerial view of the newly constructed Intermountain Gas general office at 555 S Cole Rd.

Organizational & Community Expansion

February 1, 1962: The company became accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

1961: Joined Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

1955–2025: Over the decades, Intermountain Gas steadily grew its service area, reaching about 430,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 74 communities in southern Idaho.

Intermountain Gas general office front lobby circa 1965

Bob Williams, Sun Valley division manager, at the Hailey town border station with George Allen, mayor, in September 1965.

As Idaho continues to grow, so does Intermountain's infrastructure to meet the energy needs of our communities.

Corporate Changes & Ownership

2008: Acquired by MDU Resources Group, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. MDU trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MDU.”

MDU Resource New York Stock Exchange Closing Bell — MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU) Rings The Closing Bell®Photo Credit: NYSE

Intermountain Gas Company has grown from a modest venture in 1950 into a major natural gas distribution leader. Over the decades, we have demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, reliability, energy efficiency, renewable gas integration and community support—all underpinned by robust corporate leadership.

Intermountain Gas employees gather in front of the general office in Boise